Texas Reports Its First Case of Locally Transmitted Zika

While some Houston residents have already tested positive for Zika, each of these cases was likely the result of international travel. However, health officials last week reported what is likely to be the first local transmission for the state. The patient, a woman living in Cameron County near Brownsville at the Mexico–US border, had no recent travel history. This means the virus may have spread to … Read More

Diseases Spread by Mosquitoes

Mosquitoes are a member of the fly or Diptera order of insects. Beyond their annoying bites and itchy welts, mosquitoes are known to spread diseases. Because the females feed on blood they play host to some amazingly complex and deadly pathogens such as those responsible for malaria, dog heartworm, yellow fever, Dengue fever, and several forms of encephalitis. What is … Read More

Do Mosquito Repellent Clothes Really Work?

It’s no coincidence that mosquito-repellent clothing lines are taking center stage today. As images of babies born infected with Zika spread around the world, pregnant women are adjusting their lifestyles to limit their exposure to mosquitoes. Whether you live near a Zika transmission zone or just worry that your hometown will soon become the next official zone, you’re focus is … Read More

Protecting School Children From the Zika Virus

Protecting Our Children from the Zika virus at Home and at School It’s back-to-school time here in the Houston area and parents face a new concern besides sports injuries and lost homework. The Zika virus, which has gained attention for the threat it represents to unborn children, has been officially confirmed in Houston, TX. Families have expressed concern about how … Read More

Does Clothing Choice Help In Reducing The Chance Of Zika Virus?

Recently, the news has been bombarded with stories about the Zika virus and the detrimental effects it has to newborns born to someone with an infection. During warm, humid weather, mosquitoes tend to be high in number, making those who frequent the outdoors prone to being bitten. The clothing one wears can actually have beneficial properties in keeping mosquito bites at … Read More

All You Need to Know About the Zika Virus and Trash

It is nearly impossible these days to escape the reports of new Zika virus cases. The virus has spread like wildfire, and it is turning into a worldwide health crisis. Most people know that the Zika virus is transferred to humans through mosquito bites, however there are very few people in the world that realize the Zika carrying insect is … Read More

Zika Case in Utah Puzzles Health Officials

Zika is the latest frightening insect-borne virus to hit the scene. Previously thought to be a mild infection that was asymptomatic in most cases, a link between zika and birth defects was recently discovered as the virus spread to South America. It is now known that zika infection in pregnant women can cause microcephaly – a severe birth defect associated … Read More

Storms Followed by Swarms

When it rains heavy, floods and mudslide aren’t the only things that can come. Mosquitos follow in percussion. While much water is appreciated in areas suffering from drought, you must be prepared that the little blood suckers will come with it. Mosquitos don’t just cause itchy, swollen bites. They can carry diseases like West Nile Virus or the Zika virus. … Read More

Mosquito-Repellent Clothing: A Handy Guide for Utah Residents

Do mosquito-repellent clothes really work? With the arrival of the mosquito-borne Zika virus in the United States — and the first Zika-related death happening in our own backyard — outdoor clothing companies are advertising products that can supposedly protect against mosquito-borne illnesses. But just how does your wardrobe prevent mosquito bites? Repellent-Treated Threads Clothing that has been pretreated with insect repellent … Read More

Mosquito Repelling Clothing – Does it Work or is a Waste of Time?

With the Zika virus arriving in the United States, mosquitoes have been in the news quite often. Most mosquitoes can carry and transmit dangerous diseases, but the Zika virus ratchets up the concern a notch as it targets unborn babies. That’s why today’s technology is tackling the problem head-on with mosquito repellent clothing but does it really work? How Mosquito … Read More